Esports Betting in the UK
The UK has a long history of gambling and betting, and with the rise of esports in recent years, it’s not surprising that esports betting has become a popular activity among UK gamblers. Esports, which stands for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where players compete against each other in organized tournaments. In this article, we will take a look at the current state of esports betting in the UK, its history, the types of bets available, and the future of the industry. Best of Bets takes a look into the history of esports in the UK
Esports has been around for over two decades, but it wasn’t until the late 2000s that it started to gain mainstream recognition. With the growth of the esports industry, esports betting soon followed. However, it wasn’t until the introduction of the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act in 2014 that esports betting in the UK became regulated. This act required all gambling operators who wanted to offer their services in the UK to obtain a license from the UK Gambling Commission.
Types of Esports Bets Available in the UK
There are several types of esports bets available in the UK, including:
- Match Winner Bets: This is the most straightforward type of bet, where gamblers can bet on the outcome of a specific match or tournament.
- Handicap Bets: This type of bet allows gamblers to bet on a team with a handicap, which means that a certain number of rounds or maps must be won by a particular team in order for the bet to be considered a win.
- Outright Winner Bets: This type of bet allows gamblers to bet on the winner of a tournament before it begins.
- Prop Bets: Prop bets are bets on specific events within a match or tournament, such as the first team to get a certain number of kills, the first team to destroy a certain structure, etc.
- Live Bets: Live bets are bets placed while a match or tournament is in progress, allowing gamblers to react to the current state of the game and make informed decisions.
Future of Esports Betting in the UK
The future of esports betting in the UK looks bright, with the industry expected to continue growing in the coming years. As the popularity of esports continues to rise, so does the number of people betting on these events. The UK Gambling Commission has also recognized the potential of esports betting, and has taken steps to regulate the industry, which will help to increase consumer protection and ensure the integrity of the games.
Additionally, advancements in technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, are expected to have a significant impact on the future of esports betting. With these technologies, gamblers will be able to experience esports in a more immersive way, making the betting experience even more exciting.
Esports has become a popular activity in the UK, and the industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years. With a variety of bets available, including match winner bets, handicap bets, outright winner bets, prop bets, and live bets, there is something for everyone. The UK Gambling Commission has also taken steps to regulate the industry, which will help to increase consumer protection and ensure the integrity of the games. As the popularity of esports continues to rise, so does the potential for growth in the esports industry.
